Nov. 26, 1929 ~ Jan. 1, 2022
Ruby Lea Toles, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Jan. 1, 2022, at the age of 92, with family in Idaho. She was born on Nov. 26, 1929, to Walter Richard (Dutch) and Pauline Hazelbush. As the youngest of six children, Ruby was adored by her family and known as “Babe.” She competed for and won the title of rodeo queen in Vernal, Utah, and participated in cheerleading at Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah.
She was married to the love of her life, John Reid Toles on Aug. 4, 1950, and thoroughly loved him and the life they built together. They had three beautiful children — Tanya, Susan and Mike, and spent their years living and working in oil fields in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico and Nevada. They were sealed as a family for Time and all Eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Nov. 30, 1970.
Ruby valued hard work and worked her whole life. She worked as a telephone operator, ran her family’s Chuck Wagon, and the Trading Post in Rangely, Colorado. She was a bank teller in New Mexico. In her later years, you could find her working at the marina store at Echo Bay and Overton beach, then working at the senior center in Overton serving food, cleaning tables or washing dishes. She always had things to keep her busy and did many things for others to fill her days. She worked and lived with purpose.
Ruby made friends everywhere she went. Her relationships with family and friends were the highlight of her life and brought her so much joy. She had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel with her family, especially when it led them to the ocean. She loved baking, sewing, and gardening. She loved mini Pepsi’s, and Golden Oreos. Although allergic to cinnamon, she enjoyed the delicious carrot cake from Sugars, even though the cinnamon made her lips “tingle.” She was a master teacher and used her skills to coach her great-grandchildren to respond with “Granny Ruby” when asked “Who loves you?” She loved to tease, and could put a smile on anyone’s face and always did. She is survived by two of her children, Susan (Mike) Killpack and Mike (Robin) Toles, six grandchildren and their spouses, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Ruby lived a long and full life. She was dearly loved by everyone who knew her. We will miss her dearly, but we know she is happy to finally be reunited with her husband, daughter and other family members that have passed. We look forward to celebrating the life of Ruby Lea in Overton, Nevada, at a later date to be announced.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley, Idaho. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.nalderfuneralhome.com.
